Few slow drivers cited under new law

You see them almost everywhere, motorists puttering along in the passing lane. And right behind them, drivers with horns honking, tempers flaring and fists pounding.

Almost a year after the state tightened its safety laws, only one driver in Broward actually got a ticket for going under the speed limit in the left lane. Five were cited in Palm Beach County, 27 in Miami-Dade, and statewide, 68 were cited from July 1 to June 10.

In comparison, officers in 2013 wrote more than 270,000 speeding tickets in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.

Don't attribute the low numbers for slow drivers to a sudden increase in compliance, said John Bowman, spokesman for the National Motorists Association. In the seven years prior to the passage of the new law, between 55 and 107 slow drivers a year were cited statewide under a vaguer statute.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky said slow drivers in the passing lane pose risks if others are forced to slam on the brakes or make sudden lane changes. Officers have no problem pulling slowpokes over, he said, but "so many people are going above the speed limit the focus tends to be on speeding."

Still, the lack of enforcement for slower drivers results in "chaos," said Debbie Voeks, of Wilton Manors. "Thousands of unnecessary lane changes [are made] every day by drivers going around slower drivers who get on the roads and drive in any lane that makes them happy."

Gov. Rick Scott signed the safety bill last year, barring left-lane drivers from going 10 mph or more below the speed limit. It differed from laws already on the books by specifying how slow was too slow.

The bill, which went into effect July 1, includes exceptions, such as when drivers are preparing to turn left at intersections. Violators face $60 fines and a 3-point moving violation.

Troopers say if you encounter a slow driver in the passing lane, simply signal, change lanes and don't engage the other driver. Flashing your lights, obscene gestures and honking can lead to road rage.

If you're on the interstates or Florida's Turnpike, dial *FHP if you feel the slow driver is creating a hazard.

Taxi driver Michael Golowesky said he deals with slow drivers all day, especially in his hometown of West Delray. He said the state needs to add "some very visible signs."

"Let the people know where they belong, if they can't keep up to speed," he said.